Bullying, or criticism? Apparently one and the same

Ok, I’ve sat by the past few hours and just said pretty much nothing about this, but , well here goes. I’m sure this will draw some snarky comments. I’m sure it’ll get attacked like most of my pieces do, but shit happens. Unfortunately, the way things are going here is just ridiculous, and if something doesn’t change, well, this is just going to end badly for a LOT of people.

Don’t get me wrong, I HATE bullying, I can’t STAND it, but, that’s not exactly what went on in miss Jennifer Livingston’s letter here. The opposite cannot be said, however…

Let’s start by looking at the definition of bullying, shall we? According to google:

Use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

So, in order for something to be bullying, it has to have two charactaristics
#1: Someone must have superior strength or influence. An anonymous email does not give that. Sorry, but that’s just not true
#2: The person with inffluence or strength must try to intimidate someone else (the bully victim). Again, not so much. You be the judge here though. Here’s the exact email sent.

Hi, Jennifer,

it’s unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today. I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn’t improved for many years.
Surely you don’t consider yourself a suitable example for this community’s young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you’ll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle

Ladies and gentlemen, that is the most polite bullying I have ever seen to this day. No, really. If you call THAT bullying, then my god, you seriously have been brainwashed by the liberal PC crowd. No, really, you have.

Now, yes, there’s a fine line between criticism and bullying, buut this stayed way on the proper side of it. No, bullying is not acceptable, or good, by any means, but THIS is not it. In no way, shape, or form does this qualify as ‘bullying’. The reporter’s response, however? Well, she uses both #1 and #2 to attack and berate someone who sent her an email critical of her. Stay classy, Jennifer Livingston. Stop acting like the bully you pretend you’re being attacked by. Original vid below: